Malwarebytes vs Norton: Which is the Best Antivirus Software for Your Device?

In today's digital world, malware attacks have become a common threat to our devices. That's why it's crucial to invest in reliable antivirus software to protect your device from malicious software. Two of the most popular antivirus software programs on the market are Malwarebytes and Norton.

What is Malwarebytes?

Malwarebytes is an anti-malware software that can detect and remove various malware types, including spyware, rootkits, Trojans, and viruses. It offers real-time protection and can scan your device quickly. Malwarebytes is available for Windows, Mac, and Android devices.

What is Norton?

Norton is an antivirus software that protects your device from various types of malware, including viruses, spyware, and ransomware. It offers real-time protection and can scan your device quickly. Norton is available for Windows, Mac, and Android devices.

Features Comparison

Malwarebytes and Norton offer several features that can protect your device from malware. However, there are some differences between the two that you should consider before choosing one over the other.

Real-Time Protection

Both Malwarebytes and Norton offer real-time protection that can detect and block malware in real-time. However, Norton's real-time protection is considered more robust and effective than Malwarebytes. Norton uses advanced machine learning algorithms to detect and block malware, while Malwarebytes relies on signature-based detection, which can be less effective against zero-day attacks.

Scanning Options

Both Malwarebytes and Norton offer several scanning options, including quick scan, full scan, and custom scan. However, Norton's scanning options are more flexible and customizable than Malwarebytes. Norton allows you to schedule scans, exclude specific files or folders from scans, and choose the type of scan you want to perform.

User Interface

Malwarebytes has a simple and straightforward user interface that is easy to navigate. However, Norton's user interface is more modern and intuitive than Malwarebytes. Norton's user interface is designed to be more user-friendly, with clear and concise information about your device's security status.

Performance Comparison

Both Malwarebytes and Norton offer high-level protection against malware. However, there are some performance differences between the two that you should consider before choosing one over the other.

System Resources

Malwarebytes is known for being lightweight and using minimal system resources. It can run in the background without affecting your device's performance. On the other hand, Norton can be resource-intensive, especially during full scans. It may slow down your device's performance during scans.

Malware Detection and Removal

Both Malwarebytes and Norton offer high-level protection against malware. However, Norton is considered more effective in detecting and removing malware than Malwarebytes. Norton uses advanced machine learning algorithms to detect and block malware, while Malwarebytes relies on signature-based detection, which can be less effective against zero-day attacks.

Price Comparison

Both Malwarebytes and Norton offer different pricing plans that you can choose from depending on your needs and budget.

Malwarebytes Pricing

Malwarebytes offers three pricing plans:

Free: Offers basic protection against malware.
Premium: Offers real-time protection, scheduled scanning, and automatic updates. Prices start at $3.33 per month.
Premium + Privacy: Offers all the features of Premium, plus a VPN and identity theft protection. Prices start at $5.00 per month.

Norton Pricing

Norton offers three pricing plans:

Norton Antivirus Plus: Offers basic protection against malware. Prices start at $19.99 per year.
Norton 360 Standard: Offers real-time protection, parental controls, and a VPN. Prices start at $34.99 per year.
Norton 360 Deluxe: Offers all the features of Norton 360 Standard, plus more protection for multiple devices. Prices start at $39.99 per year.

Conclusion

Both Malwarebytes and Norton offer reliable protection against malware. However, Norton is considered more effective in detecting and removing malware than Malwarebytes. Norton's real-time protection is also considered more robust and effective than Malwarebytes. However, Malwarebytes is known for being lightweight and using minimal system resources.

When it comes to pricing, both Malwarebytes and Norton offer different pricing plans that you can choose from depending on your needs and budget. Malwarebytes offers a free version, while Norton offers a basic antivirus plan.

In conclusion, both Malwarebytes and Norton are excellent antivirus software programs that can protect your device from malware. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference, budget, and the level of protection you need for your device.